Thyroid disorders quietly disrupt periods and fertility by throwing off key hormones like
estrogen, progesterone, and ovulation signals, often leading to irregular cycles or trouble
conceiving. Women with untreated hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism face higher miscarriage risks and need specialized care at Sneh Fertility & Urology Centre.
Early testing through a trusted infertility specialist in Udaipur can restore balance and boost pregnancy chances significantly.
How Hypothyroidism Affects Your Cycle
Hypothyroidism slows metabolism and lowers thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4), which disrupts the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis controlling periods. Common effects include heavy, prolonged bleeding, infrequent periods (oligomenorrhea), or no periods at all (amenorrhea).
Ovulation becomes irregular or stops, directly reducing fertility.
At Sneh Fertility & Urology Centre, specialists check TSH levels alongside reproductive hormones. Levothyroxine treatment often normalizes cycles within 2–3 months, improving conception odds significantly.
Hyperthyroidism’s Impact on Fertility
Hyperthyroidism speeds up bodily functions, causing lighter, shorter periods or skipped cycles due to suppressed ovulation. It raises miscarriage risk and affects egg quality. High thyroid levels also disrupt progesterone, essential for implantation.
Women with hyperthyroidism benefit from anti-thyroid medications monitored by an
infertility specialist in Udaipur. Stabilizing levels typically restores regular ovulation and boosts pregnancy success rates.
Thyroid and PCOS Overlap
Thyroid issues often coexist with PCOS, worsening insulin resistance, irregular periods, and anovulation. Hypothyroidism raises prolactin levels, mimicking PCOS symptoms like weight gain and hair loss. Up to 20–30% of PCOS patients have thyroid dysfunction.
Sneh Fertility & Urology Centre recommends combined screening (TSH, FT4, anti-TPO antibodies) for accurate diagnosis. Treating both conditions together yields better fertility outcomes than PCOS management alone.
Effects During Pregnancy
Untreated thyroid disorders increase risks of miscarriage (2–3× higher), preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental issues. Hypothyroidism thickens the uterine lining abnormally; hyperthyroidism triggers high blood pressure.
Routine TSH screening before and during pregnancy at Sneh Fertility & Urology Centre ensures safe hormone levels. Treated patients see pregnancy success rates approach those of women without thyroid issues.
Simple Tests and Treatment Steps
Diagnosis starts with blood tests measuring TSH (normal: 0.5–4.5 mIU/L), free T4, and thyroid antibodies. Pelvic ultrasound checks for ovarian cysts or poor lining. Semen analysis may be advised if trying for over 6 months.
Treatment includes:
- Levothyroxine (hypothyroid) or methimazole/propylthiouracil (hyperthyroid)
- Lifestyle changes: iodine-rich foods, stress reduction, 30-minute daily walks
- Fertility support: Letrozole or Clomid if ovulation remains poor
An infertility specialist in Udaipur tailors plans combining thyroid care with IUI/IVF when needed.
FAQs on Thyroid, Periods, and Fertility
| 1. Can thyroid problems cause irregular periods without other symptoms? Yes, subtle hypothyroidism often shows first as cycle changes. Heavy or absent periods signal TSH testing at Sneh Fertility & Urology Centre. |
| 2. How quickly does thyroid treatment improve fertility? Most women ovulate regularly within 1–3 months of stable TSH levels (<2.5 ideal for fertility). Pregnancy rates rise 40–60% post-treatment. |
| 3. Should I test thyroid if TTC over 35 with irregular cycles? Absolutely. Infertility specialists in Udaipur screen all patients over 35, as thyroid issues compound age-related fertility decline. |
| 4. Does hypothyroidism affect male fertility too? Yes, it lowers sperm motility and count. Couples at Sneh Fertility & Urology Centre get joint thyroid and semen evaluations for complete assessment. |
| 5. Can I get pregnant naturally after thyroid treatment? Many do, especially if treated early. If cycles remain irregular, a doctor for PCOS treatment in Udaipur offers ovulation induction with 70–80% success. |
